DRC Minister defends mining reforms at WTO forum

At the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum in Geneva, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) highlighted its efforts to implement responsible mining practices and commercial reforms. Julien Paluku Kahongya, the Minister of Foreign Trade, addressed panels regarding the protection of vulnerable economies and the sustainable exploitation of mines in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Minister Paluku stated that the Congolese government has prioritized cleaning up the mining sector to improve the international credibility of its minerals. He specifically asserted that “neither children nor women are in the mines anymore,” emphasizing that public policies have been established to improve exploitation conditions and ensure traceability. These measures aim to provide international consumers and partners with greater guarantees regarding the ethical sourcing of Congolese raw materials.

Additionally, the Minister called on LDCs to strengthen local initiatives to better withstand global economic crises and geopolitical tensions. He also urged international partners to exercise caution regarding online reports about Congolese mining, suggesting that some information may be inaccurate.